Federal Raid on Prominent Medical Marijuana Dispensary Likely Politically Motivated
President Barack Obama’s crackdown on California medical marijuana dispensaries hit their most high profile target to date, raiding the apartment and business of Richard Lee, one of the state’s most prominent advocates for the legalization of marijuana. No word yet on if Lee has officially been charged with a crime, but it would be wise of him to have a federal criminal attorney on retainer.
Lee is the founder of Oaksterdam University, whose core mission is to teach people about the marijuana industry. In addition to raiding the University, DEA and IRS agents also raided a marijuana dispensary that Lee operates, as well as three properties that he rented. Federal agents were seen carrying out several marijuana plants and filing cabinets during the raids.
While medical marijuana is legal in California, it is still a federal crime. The involvement of the IRS throws a twist into Monday’s raid. Another dispensary in the area reportedly is in litigation with the IRS regarding $2.5 million in back taxes. It is possible that the IRS is investigating potential tax fraud charges against Lee in addition to the DEA’s crackdown on medical marijuana dispensaries.
Federal crimes almost always carry much harsher penalties if convicted than state crimes. You are also much more likely to serve a higher percentage of your sentence if you are convicted than you would if you were convicted in a state court.
With no charges officially filed its hard to speculate as to what Lee is exactly up against.
President Obama pledged to crackdown on medical marijuana dispensaries, and with the November election right around the corner, some are saying this raid on Lee was more of a political move than anything else.
